Christopher Edwards Email & Phone Number

Southern Pines, North Carolina, United States

Supporting AFSOC Contract CAS Requirements

Southern Pines, North Carolina, United States

AFSOC GSU Det-1/OTC Air Operations and Exercise Support

Southern Pines, North Carolina, United States

Leads a diverse and talented team of 25 military, government, and contractor personnel while overseeing multiple budgets and initiatives totaling over $150 million. Coordinates all manned and unmanned AISR requirements, innovation, and modernization efforts on behalf of Commander, JSOC. Collaborates with SOCOM, AFRL and AFSOC on the evaluation, acquisition, funding, and advancement of emerging platforms and SOF-peculiar technologies and weapons.

Southern Pines, North Carolina, United States

Led all coordination and execution efforts for Exercise JADED THUNDER (JT) 22-1. JT is the premier SOF training exercise for SOCOM, and the largest Joint Staff-accredited exercise tailored towards advanced JTAC tactical training. JT 22-1 was the most complex, dynamic, and expansive iteration to date, requiring the employment of over 42 aircraft, 14 commands, six maritime vessels, four training ranges, over 1,600 personnel, and a combined budget of $8.4 million.

Doha, Qatar

Served as senior JSOC representative to Commander, Air Force Central Command (AFCENT) at the 609th Combined Air Operations Center during the most significant and tumultuous period in recent US Central Command history. Synchronized all tactical and logistical air support for the initial drawdown of Special Operations personnel from twelve coalition installations in Afghanistan from March-July 2021, along with the final evacuation of all Special Operations personnel from Kabul International Airport in August 2021. Routinely conducted high-level coordination with General Officer / Flag Officer leadership in support of classified combat and crisis response operations.

Southern Pines, North Carolina, United States

Provided consultation, recommendations, and subject matter expertise regarding tactical aircraft employment and maritime integration to Commander, JSOC while simultaneously serving as a critical liaison for sensitive activities, programs and Special Operations. Consulted on the application and suitability of a unique SOF-Peculiar weapons portfolio, along with conventional aviation tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Coronado, California

Served as principal training coordinator, advisor, and evaluator for deploying USN Carrier Air Wings during underway pre-deployment Carrier Strike Group certification exercises. Mentored and oversaw the contributions of ten officer and enlisted personnel. Worked in close cooperation with TOPGUN and Naval Aviation Warfare Development Command in the construction and application of dynamic and challenging scenarios incorporating near-peer, advanced adversary threats and tactics while simultaneously integrating emerging, next-generation weapons and tactics into large-scale, dynamic fleet rehearsals.

Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

Operational Test Director for Light Attack Experiment II (LAE II) on behalf Air Force Research Laboratories. LAE II was a unique experimental examination of two competing off-the-shelf Light Attack Aircraft: the Sierra Nevada/Embraer A-29 Super Tucano and the TEXTRON AT-6C Wolverine. LAE II provided a critical comparative analysis of the potential use of either platform as low-cost, off-the-shelf combat-capable aircraft alternatives for global counter-terrorism operations in permissive, austere, and rugged environments. Worked in close coordination with industry and observing allied partners while leading a diverse cadre of twelve joint airman in the construction and execution of a 28-sortie syllabus that provided scientific, critical competitive analysis of both respective platforms.

Naws China Lake

Served as Director of Operations for the premier USN Operational Test and Evaluation squadron; Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE (VX-9). Balanced software and weapons operational test, aircrew tactics and weapons proficiency, and the maintenance of 21 F/A-18C/D/E/F, EA-18G and AV-8B aircraft while managing multiple flight hour budgets totaling over $12.5million. Directly oversaw an operations team consisting of seven officers, two enlisted and two civilian employees.

Nas Lemoore

Served as Director of Operations for Strike Fighter Squadron TWO TWO (VFA-22) throughout the longest, scheduled Carrier Strike Group deployment (9.5 months) since the Vietnam War. Participated in 43 combat missions flying the F/A-18F in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Led multiple large-scale kinetic strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Iraq and Syria on behalf of CENTCOM and Commander, Carrier Air Wing 17. In addition, oversaw the squadron Quality Control, Training, and Safety Departments while attached to VFA-22.

Pentagon

Served as Executive Flag Aide to RADM David Philman, OPNAV N8X/N9I. Coordinated the daily executive schedule and managed all key leader engagements between RADM Philman and General Officer/Flag Officer leadership in the Pentagon.

Nas Lemoore, Ca

Served as squadron Weapons Officer and Administrative Officer for Strike Fighter Squadron TWO (VFA-2) flying the F/A-18F. Participated in two CENTCOM combat deployments in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.

Nas Jacksonville, Fl

Lead Weapons and Tactics Instructor at Sea Control Weapons School. Provided classroom, simulator and in-flight instruction to S-3B Viking Pilots and Naval Flight Officers on the AGM-84D Harpoon, AGM-65E LASER Maverick and AGM-84K SLAM-ER missiles. Served as fleet test director for the incorporation of the AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN pod, resulting in the first land-based deployment of an S-3B Viking squadron.

Nas Jacksonville, Fl

Served as squadron weapons and tactics officer for VS-31, flying the S-3B Viking. Participated in an 8-month combat deployment in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and a 4-month counter-drug deployment to South America in support Joint Inter Agency Task Force - South.

Master Of Arts (Ma), Military Strategic Studies, General

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Political Science And Government